Page 42 of Blazing Reactions

“It’s called practical application of theoretical principles,” she replied primly, though her hands slid up his chest. “Very scientific.”

“Is that what we’re calling it?” He captured her lips in a heated kiss that had nothing to do with science.

A pointed cough interrupted them. Lori stood nearby, tablet in hand, trying to look stern despite her twitching lips. “If you two could pause the ‘research’ for a moment, I have the training metrics ready for review.”

Levi landed and shifted forms, casually stretching in a way that drew Lori’s immediate attention. “The electrical field variations were fascinating,” she said, voice professionally crisp despite her pink cheeks. “Though there was an interesting power spike during that last formation.”

“Speaking of interesting spikes,” Levi’s smile held just a hint of fang, “I’ve been meaning to discuss some security upgrades for the lab section. Perhaps over coffee?”

Talon bit back a laugh at their awkward dance, remembering his own early interactions with Asher. Sometimes the most powerful warriors could be felled by simple attraction.

An alert from Lori’s tablet broke the moment. “Your mothers are looking for you both,” she grimaced. “Something about centerpiece arrangements and seating charts?”

Everyone sighed. How could they forget about tonight?

The next hour passed in a whirlwind of dinner preparations. Their mothers had transformed the great hall into a stunning blend of tradition and innovation. Dragon artifacts gleamed alongside elegant scientific displays, while floral arrangements incorporated both clan symbols and subtle DNA helixes.

“The molecular gastronomy chef is confirmed,” his mother announced, consulting her phone. “Though convincing him to work with traditional dragon spices was... interesting.”

Talon drew Asher into a quiet corner as their mothers continued planning. “We could still make a break for it,” he murmured against her hair. “I know some excellent caves in the Himalayas.”

Her laugh warmed his chest. “Tempting. But then who would appreciate your mother’s efforts to incorporate Schrödinger’s cat into the table settings?”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Asher surveyed the great hall with equal parts amusement and awe. Trust their mothers to transform a formal clan gathering into a perfect fusion of science and magic. Ancient texts lay open beside modern research tablets. She’d even spotted a few place cards decorated with accurate representations of quantum entanglement patterns.

Her father had already cornered Eldric by the quantum mechanics display, his hands gesturing animatedly as he explained some new theory. A half-dozen napkins covered in equations lay scattered around them, and he’d started eyeing the tablecloth with dangerous intent.

“Ten minutes before Dad starts drawing on the formal linens,” Everett wagered, appearing at her elbow with two glasses of champagne. “Twenty if Mom doesn’t catch him first.”

“You underestimate his dedication to science,” Asher accepted a glass, nodding toward their father. “Look - he’s already commandeered three of Elder Magnus’s ceremonial scrolls for his calculations on dragon flight dynamics.”

Their mother and Nellie, Talon’s mom, held court near the biochemistry exhibits, seamlessly blending discussions of medical breakthroughs with ancient healing practices.Occasionally, one would glance toward their father with fond exasperation, but neither moved to confiscate his writing implements just yet.

A burst of laughter drew her attention to where Mallory described some training mishap to a group of younger scientists. The clan’s newest researchers peppered her with questions about draconic biology, their initial hesitation forgotten in the face of shared scientific curiosity.

“Fascinating integration of cellular regeneration principles with traditional healing,” Dr. Bennett commented, joining her observation of the mingling groups. “Though perhaps we should rescue that tablecloth before your father discovers its absorptive properties?”

“Too late,” Asher sighed as her father pulled out a pen. “At least he’s color-coding the thermal dynamics calculations this time.”

Warmth pressed against her back as Talon returned from greeting late arrivals. “Your father’s theories about plasma generation in dragon fire are surprisingly accurate,” he murmured in her ear. “Though I’m not sure the tablecloth needed quite so many differential equations.”

“He gets excited about new variables,” she leaned back against his chest. “Just wait until he starts mapping the electromagnetic variations in our combined attacks. We’ll need to requisition more linens.”

Their quiet moment shattered with the sudden blare of security alarms. Lori’s voice cut through the chaos, all professional efficiency despite the sounds of combat in the background. “Multiple breaches detected!”

Asher’s mind raced through tactical calculations. “The timing is too coincidental,” she said, already moving toward the security station. “They’re not just after the labs - they’re targeting everyone gathered here. Two objectives, one strike.”

Around them, family members shifted seamlessly into defensive positions. Her father abandoned his equations to activate ancient wards while her mother and Nellie coordinated evacuation protocols for the young members. Everett’s fingers flew across security panels, redirecting power to critical systems.

“At least we got through the appetizers this time,” Asher quipped, electricity crackling between her fingers as she prepared to shift forms. The familiar tingle of transformation washed over her as she took to the air beside Talon.

Formation three?she suggested, already calculating optimal attack vectors.

More dragons joined them - Levi leading a squadron of guards while Eldric coordinated ground defenses. Below, Asher spotted Lori and her mother rapidly implementing security protocols while Elder Magnus reinforced the ancient protective circles.

Lightning crackled from her wings as she banked sharply around the estate’s eastern corner.They’re using some kind of cloaking technology different from the cold iron,she noted.

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